[Brooklimes, Kittentails and Speedwells: The Genus Veronica in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington]

Common Gypsyweed, Common Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, Herbal Speedwell, Paul's Betony

Veronica officinalis

Synonyms: Veronica officinalis var. officinalis, Veronica officinalis var. tournefortii, Veronica tournefortii

Characteristics:

The common speedwell is a perennial with fibrous roots which roots at the nodes wherever anode touches the ground. The stems and leaves are all noticeably covered with spreading hairs. The leaves are opposite, elliptical to ellliptic-obovate in shape, with the bases narrowed to a short petiole. The leaves are 1.5-5 cm long and 0.6-3 cm wide with finely-toothed margins. The larger leaves may have 12-20 teeth per side.

The inflorescence consists of axillary racemes. The corollas are 4-8 mm wide, light blue in color, occasionally with lavender striping.

Habitat:

Common speedwell may be found in disturbed places such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas.

Range:

Common speedwell is a weedy species introduced to North America from Europe. It is common in the eastern United States and fairly common west of the Cascade Mts.

In the Columbia River Gorge it may be found between the elevations of 100'-2800' from east of Troutdale, OR to approximately the Wind River.

Paul Slichter